Manzanares, Smith earn IFYR All-Around honors

In her first appearance at the International Finals Youth Rodeo, 15year-old Mia Manzanares of Opelousas, La., was named All-Around Cowgirl.

Kim Morava and Jason Smith

In her first appearance at the International Finals Youth Rodeo, 15year-old Mia Manzanares of Opelousas, La., was named All-Around Cowgirl.

She was also named goat tying champion Friday night, earning her a total payout of $3,582.48.

She attributed much to her success.

“Practice, good coaches and family support,” she said. “And God helps me a lot.”

She said she was overwhelmed by the All-Around title and was especially happy about the prize of a Bloomer trailer.

During a busy season of her playing softball and doing rodeo, she’ll typically have softball practice until 5 p.m. and then has rodeo practice from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then does homework as late as midnight, she said.

Manzanares will compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo this week in Rock Springs, Wyo.

Garrett Smith, 17, from Rexburg, Idaho, is the 2012 IFYR All-Around Cowboy, as well as the steer wrestling and saddle bronc champion. Smith’s total payout came to more than $5,360.

It was Smith’s second year to compete in the IFYR, and he finished fifth in bull riding and saddle bronc riding last year. He also competed in bull riding this year, being one of only four cowboys to go a full eight seconds in Friday’s short go.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said of his All-Around honors. “That’s been a major goal ever since I came here last year.”

Smith also won a Bloomer trailer as a result of his All-Around status. He’s also on his way to the NHSFR.